Search watoday:

Search in:

Will Subiaco see anything like that again?

Robyn Preston

Capacity crowds at Patersons are a significant source of income for many businesses in Subiaco... and there are fears that days like these are numbered.

As Subiaco businesses returned to usual trade in the wake of Fremantle's preliminary final victory and the WAFL Grand Final, many were left wondering if they'll ever see another weekend like it again.

Some have estimated they owe at least 30 per cent of their income to big-ticket games such as Saturday's preliminary match, which brought 43,000 people to Patersons Stadium.

With location of the stadium changing, this will mean Subiaco businesses will have a number of years to look at their product offering to consumers and try to adapt to the changing environment.

The game that saw the Fremantle Dockers enter the AFL Grand Final showdown this week was a welcome trading boost to retailers near the stadium, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry's chief officer of Members Services and Advocacy John Nicolaou said.

"There is no doubt that retailers, restaurants and pubs near the stadium benefit from the flow on of hosting major sporting events, like the final held [at the weekend], he said.

Advertisement

"[Saturday] night's final and the grand final next week should provide significant additional trading for many hospitality operators and will be a welcome boost."

"Having a team in the grand final will also help create vibrancy across the city that we hope flows through to more people out patronising Perth's retailers and hospitality venues."

Subiaco's hospitality sector will see a dramatic change over the next five years, leading up to the venue being transferred to the new stadium in Burswood, Subiaco Business Association president Geoff Parnell said.

"[Patersons Stadium] won't be the football stadium, it won't be a concert venue, it won't be a rugby field - it will be a very quiet little oval," Mr Parnell said.

The new 60,000 seat capacity $1 billion stadium, part of the Burswood Peninsula redevelopment, is set for completion in 2018.

"Certainly Subiaco's hospitality sector is very well supported through the venue, Mr Parnell said.

"I've heard from two businesses - one that has a restaurant with a license, that it's expecting a 30 percent impact on their trade."

While the sector certainly benefited from the venue's big crowds, he said that businesses and the local government still had time to look for other ways of attracting customers.

"Five years is enough time to create other reasons for people to visit the area and it is enough time for businesses to create themselves as a destination for food and bars," he said.

Mr Nicolaou agreed that businesses would have to adapt themselves to bring consumers to Subiaco.

"With location of the stadium changing, this will mean Subiaco businesses will have a number of years to look at their product offering to consumers and try to adapt to the changing environment," he said.

Mr Parnell said he also hoped the local government would take a "proactive approach to bring more residents to live in Subiaco".

"The local government has significant responsibility to develop more sites now and create some permanent residential numbers in Subiaco... more people who will eat, drink and do things around the city."

"Businesses need to look at how they reinvent themselves, local government need to keep looking at ways to get people living and working in Subiaco and improve the ambiance of the place. And everyone needs to work together.

30 comments

So, let's get this straight: The Subi businesses are crying because the football stadium is shifting. But the stadium is shifting because the latte sipping Subi locals can't stand the noise from the football and the concerts? Heads I win, tales you lose?

Commenter

James Syngeon-Smthye III

Location

G&T in hand...

Date and time

September 23, 2013, 7:31AM

I agree, the Subiaco locals and council have done nothing but complain and restrict with regards to Subiaco oval development and use. Now its being moved they're still complaining. The businesses may have survived on their proximity to the stadium, but now they might actually have to offer customers something other than proximity? Maybe even cheaper prices, customer service, good quality food & drink.

Commenter

wee

Date and time

September 23, 2013, 9:46AM

The great thing about Subiaco Oval is it's in the heart of a community- the same as Fremantle Oval, the current home of the Dockers. With that comes; heritage buildings, culture, retail & transport facilities built up over 100 years not to mention a history that can not be replicated. Going to the footy isn't just about rushing into and out of the stadium- it's a day or night out. I hope the new stadium is delayed for years as once it's moves to Burswood I expect my football attendance will be at an end.

Commenter

Peter

Location

Perth

Date and time

September 23, 2013, 7:39AM

Weird comment. I much prefer going to Docklands than Subi as it is a much better stadium. The lack of heritage buildings around it doesn't really make a difference to my football experience and I can't for the life of me work out why it would to you. There will be plenty of bars around the new stadium if all you want is a place to drink. And a lot more other options to do before and after once you let go of your thoughts on the casino go.

Subi lost half its decent before the footy options when the markets closed.

Commenter

Nick

Location

Perth

Date and time

September 23, 2013, 8:56AM

Never been to the G or Docklands? Facilities at both grounds make Subi Oval look like a suburban park. Both are easier to get in and out of the stadium, have comfortable seating, and have fantastic public transport options. Furthermore, if you are not a member of Freo or West Coast (who has a huge waiting list for membership), you have little chance of getting a decent seat at the game.

Commenter

OutWest

Location

Perth

Date and time

September 23, 2013, 9:34AM

I'll happily replace you Peter and there a cue of people right behind me willing to do the same. I rarely attend a game at Subi, the stadium itself lacks decent facilities and the close proximity of the surrounding housing makes it a very difficult ground to get in and out of. Burswood can’t come soon enough. You should travel and check out the MCG or Etihad. Yes obviously they are great modern stadiums, but the key difference is where they are located and the ability for the larger crowds to get in and out of the stadium with greater ease than at Subiaco. As they are both near the city, there are plenty of options for patrons before and after the game. Burswood will bring the same opportunities. Unfortunately Peter, there are many like you who lack vision and are stuck in the past. If Perth is to grow and become a world class city, then facilities like the Burswood stadium are a must!

Commenter

Greg

Location

Perth

Date and time

September 23, 2013, 10:13AM

A handful of historic buildings does not create a community. Besides, there are no historic buildings surrounding Subiaco Oval. Subiaco Football Club saw the light and moved to Leederville Oval 10 years ago. The only sporting team based at Subiaco Oval is the West Coast Eagles. It is also the home of the WA Football Commission.

Commenter

Bio Logical

Location

Perth

Date and time

September 23, 2013, 4:31PM

Here's a tip. How about the Subiaco council look at eradicating the extremely restrictive parking restrictions in the area. Clamping zones do not make for a particularly inviting environment. The clamping of old ladies cars(which I have seen many on many occasions) in the market area from Monday to Friday is an absolute disgrace. $180 at the time to have your car set free.....really???Loosen the parking rules or when the time comes subi will be as dead as freo now is.

Commenter

J74

Date and time

September 23, 2013, 8:11AM

I'm a council basher as much as anyone, but the clamping at the markets is nothing to do with the council - it's privately run by a division of Wilson Parking (called Parking Enforcement Services) on behalf of the private owners of the markets (and only Mondays-Thursdays, when the markets are open) I do agree that it's dodgy though, but good luck getting the council to do anything to change it.

Commenter

Jim

Location

Subiaco

Date and time

September 23, 2013, 2:35PM

Here's a tip - don't drive to the game. We live in a city, not a country town. No major stadium in a big city caters for cars. Trains and buses are the way to go.